Florent Malouda has rejected the notion that Chelsea are in a stage of transition and believes fortunes will soon change.

The west Londoners have endured a turbulent season since Andre Villas-Boas was appointed in the summer.

Adjusting to life under Villas-Boas has been cited as a cause, but Malouda feels performances have just not been good enough.

"I don't like this expression of transition," he said. "When you play for Chelsea there is no transition because everyone expects the best from the squad we've got. There is a lot of talent and ambition.

"When you sign for the club, it doesn't matter who the players or manager are, all you expect is to win trophies. There is a mentality here.

"I think that's what the fans expect from us as well. We should not look at all the changes as an excuse, we must contend to win trophies year after year.

"The newer players have settled very well in the team. Everyone is focused on the club objectives and are sad when we don't have the results we expect.

"We're always trying to turn things around and we know how fast things can change.

"We know when we don't have results, doubts are coming from the outside so we have to stay strong as a squad to be able to compete for trophies. We have to go for it."

Malouda was part of the Chelsea side that defeated npower Championship outfit Portsmouth 4-0 in the third round of the FA Cup yesterday.

The scoreline flattered the Blues after a late flurry of goals, with Ramires scoring a brace in the final 10 minutes and Frank Lampard firing home in stoppage time.

Juan Mata netted the opener after connecting with a cross from Malouda, who hopes similar performances can help him secure regular first-team football.

"I will never be happy to be on the bench," he said. "It is a competition, but I know what I can do when I am at my best level.

"I have helped the team win trophies and that is what I'm looking for. I will never be happy to play a few minutes sometimes.

"When you look at the number of games I have played for the club and my former clubs, I have always been in the starting XI.

"This season was a bit different for me but I am looking forward to changing that."

Chelsea could now face west London rivals QPR in the fourth round, assuming Rangers can defeat MK Dons in their third-round replay.

For Portsmouth, though, attention returns to the npower Championship after what striker Dave Kitson felt was a harsh defeat.

"We had chances and put a lot of effort in," he told the club's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk. "Chelsea winning by one or two goals would perhaps have been a fairer reflection.

"It was bitterly disappointing to concede those goals right at the end of the game. It doesn't look good, especially because no-one on the outside is going to see the whole game, they'll only see the highlights.

"We had a few corners and Greg Halford headed one just over. Of course we also had an almighty goalmouth scramble that was defended unbelievably well.

"I'm sure Chelsea would have stepped up a couple of gears if one of those chances had gone in, but it's still disappointing.

"Now we have to pick ourselves up for the next Championship game against West Ham."